Kael's eyes gleamed under the dim torchlight as he turned to Cedric, eyeing him coldly.
"Tell me, Cedric." His grin stretched wider, but there was no amusement in it. "Your life will depend on the answer."
Cedric stiffened. A drop of sweat slid down his temple, despite the freezing air.
"Why didn't you support rations and troops to the Northern Gate?" Kael's voice darkened. "You do realize that your 'oversight' caused its fall?"
Cedric let out a slow, bitter breath and sighed trying to explain.
"My Lord, please forgive us.We are helpless on our own."
"Why?"
"Because we ourselves are on the brink of death." His expression twisted, as if the words burned his throat. "My father is very ill, as are many of our soldiers. They're barely clinging to life."
